 Tough As Nails! You'll Love Every Second |
| Review Date: February 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Pampooty, NYC |
I have all of the non-BL Jillian Michaels workout dvds and was thrilled that my UPS guys beat the snow to deliver this new addition today. It does not disappoint!
Here's the skinny: 7 six minute circuits, no weights, no equipment. Just you and some free space to jump around (you don't even need that much space; trust me, I live in a tiny NYC apartment and am completely able to do all the exercises). Each circuit is made up of a set of exercises performed twice before moving on to the next circuit: full body engagement, plyometrics and some serious core work mid-way through. But the focus is really on getting your heart rate up and Jillian delivers (my husband walked in after I was done and said he'd never seen my face so red before -- so beware! It's a tough enough workout that you might not look stunning immediately after; you can save the stunning for the beach this summer!)
Now, I should mention I have done JM's 30 Day Shred and love love love love it. There's no better way to get in a thorough workout in 22 minutes. This is not The Shred. There are many familiar exercises, but it's a much longer workout and the intensity is modulated to make it possible to keep going for the full 45+ minutes of the workout. I was intent on getting through the whole workout, so I can't speak to what the experience would be like for a beginner. But, the dvd is broken into chapters that split at each circuit, so theoretically, you can progressively build up as your stamina increases. I imagine I will have days when I'm pressed for time and just want to hit 3-4 of the circuits, and the chapters are designed to allow me to pick the ones I most like (or hate! depending on how tough they are!)
Also, I find Jillian's style to be increasingly more mature with each new dvd. No joke, she's a tough cookie -- that hasn't changed. But her instruction is more precise and her explanations of why certain exercises are paired together is really helpful. I find that knowing why things are good for me (even when they're so hard) is powerful motivation. Oh, I should mention I have very bad asthma and doing these workouts has helped boost my heart strength and capacity to grab more air with each breath. It's silly, I know, but I finish feeling like Mighty Mouse!
I'll update in the comments section with any thoughts or problems I encounter as I incorporate this workout into my regular schedule. But in the meantime, I'm a very happy customer! |
More difficult than difficult
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| Review Date: June 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: dingleberry, San Francisco, CA USA |
I bought this DVD to reward myself for slowly working my way up to Level 2 of the 30-Day Shred, which took several months because I am not always consistent about working out. I felt pretty confident about my fitness level, because at one point, Level 1 had made me feel like I was going to die, and then Level 2 had the same effect, and now I felt like I was ready for anything.
Well, I had to stop after the first 26 minutes of this video. Partly because I pulled a muscle in my hamstring. And partly because I'm not used to working out this hard for 40 minutes. I am used to having a 26-minute workout with the 30-day shred.
This, by the way, is not easier just because it's cardio with no weights. Not easier at all. I was not expecting this. There are yet more exercises that challenge me! Yet MORE exercises that make me feel like I'm going to die! Lots of explosive pylometrics, lots of compound bodyweight exercises, lots of REAL athlete exercises! YEAH! The only thing harder than this would be CrossFit.
Four caveats:
1. If you've spent some time on the 30-day shred (and even if you haven't), take it easy and be careful with the toe touches during the warm-up. You don't want to pull your hamstring in the warmup like I did because you're going to need your legs to do all that kickboxing later.
2. Don't click on her "health tips" video in the bonus section--unless you want to see an cringe-worthy plug from someone you thought was above all that. She says stuff like, "Eat fresh fruits and vegetables!" "Drink plenty of water." And then, out of nowhere: "And use an electric toothbrush from Oral B!" What now? Then her health tips turn into this full-blown infomercial for Oral B electric toothbrushes, starting at $22 each. WTF? Jillian, really, I have developed so much respect for you doing this 30-day shred with you every day for the last year. Don't throw it all away on an electric toothbrush! So, yeah, avoid the bonus section.
3. The redhead in the back is a bit too smiley for me. Neither of those ladies looks like they're trying very hard sometimes. There's one part where Jillian says, "You should really be breathing hard!" And it flashes back to the one on the right, and she looks like she's just going through the motions, like this is just a walk in the park. I liked the backup workout ladies on 30-day shred MUCH better. Those ladies were awesome. They looked like they were really struggling, which is just what you want to see when you're struggling, too. I'm having backup workout lady withdrawals.
4. The 5-pounds-a-week claim on the cover is ridiculous unless you're already obese or come down with the flu the same week you work out.
Despite these quibbles, she can keep her five stars because this is one crazy-hard workout and I feel like I'm in pretty good shape. I can run for 60 minutes. I can do Level 2 of 30-Day Shred. But apparently I want to die after 26 minutes of this video. Love that. Makes me feel like if I can get through this, I will be a real athlete. Also, I love Jillian's style. I love that she will tell the truth about how hard we have to work to get results, and I love that she doesn't try to make everything warm and fuzzy. This will definitely get the fat off when combined with a good diet and, of course, an electric Oral B toothbrush starting at $22. |
Even better than 30 day Shred
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| Review Date: February 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. Chase, Wisconsin |
Okay, I honestly used to HATE working out. Really hate it. But I ordered The 30 day Shred from Jillian thinking that I could do something for twenty minutes for thirty days. Ten pounds later, I found that I looked forward to working out. I needed MORE. So Jillian delivered to me this and the "no more trouble zone" videos. They are like the 30 day Shred but longer and are either cardio or weight based. She keeps the energy high and gives, as always, excellent instructions on how to do the moves properly, so as to not become injured. I recommend this DVD for anyone who is fairly in shape and wants a difficult, addictive workout!
The only negative is the really cheesy music--Jillian, you seem so hip--what is up with that backbeat!? |
Didn't think I was going to make it!
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| Review Date: May 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Claudine Gandolfi, New York |
First let me start by saying that I'm trying to lose "the last 15" and I probably could have been on Biggest Loser (lost 172 so far, still have about 15 to go) from when I started. At any rate, almost 4 years into my "new life" I'm trying everything to drop the last bit. My normal routine is 30-45 min of highest level elliptical on personal trainer mode 5+ times a week, plus incline walking, circuit training, cycling outside for fun, and weight training. Just recently took up pilates too. So I'm normally doing 1.5+ hrs a day of moderate to intense exercise, plus fun stuff.
I purchased this DVD thinking it would be a nice "add on" when it's rainy outside or I can't get to the gym. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!! The first time I did it (and keep in mind I've been VERY active and strong for 3 years) I could hardly catch my breath and stopped it at the 30 min mark. It is DIFFICULT, but in a good way. This is not hand-holding, this is butt-kicking. After 2 tries, I finally did the whole tape today. It looked like I walked through a pool I was so covered in sweat. But I feel great now. Those walking planks kill me, and the scissor squats/squat jumps... Aaaaggggghhh! Oh the pain. LOL Buy it, you'll learn to love it. It does get easier (not easy, let's say do-able) as you do it more. But I feel as if this will always be a butt-kicker, no matter how many times you do it. Loads of jumping, some pilates core work, some kick-boxing and no rest in between, just a lesser-evil movement so you don't pass out. ;) It's 56 minutes long including the warm up and cool down. You don't need anything but a strong floor and your own body weight. |
OMG fabulous workout!!!!
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| Review Date: February 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: runnergirl27, Texas |
| Okay, I have never really been into the Biggest Loser or even the 30 day shred video. I have tried them but I never could figure out what the hype was about but this workout Boost Metabolism definitely was AWESOME! I actually found it on Exercise TV and my kids (age 8 and 5) even loved it. They did almost all of it with me and that NEVER happens. I also tried No More Trouble Zones yesterday and it was also really good. I am sore everywhere today. I burned 350 calories with No More Trouble Zones and 425 calories with Boost Metabolism. I will definitely be purchasing these. I LOVE these workouts and I am highly impressed and I look forward to doing them again and again. I know I will see results and I felt fabulous after doing both of them. Try these you will not regret it! |
Intense Workout!
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| Review Date: May 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chloe, |
| I purchased this DVD along with No More Trouble Zones after having done the 30 Day Shred for several months. The Shred was a great introduction to working out, which is something I rarely did before. By doing it 5 days a week, I lost the 15 pounds needed to get to my goal weight. Banish Fat and No More Trouble Zones are intense, one hour workouts that definitely get you sweating like crazy. I rotate between these two videos every other day, 5 days a week. Many of the moves are repeated from the Shred, but since these videos are longer they work you out so much harder. I am in good shape but still have to push myself to get through Banish Fat. Circuit 2 is especially difficult, so once you get through that the rest is more manageable. These DVDs have helped me get into the best shape of my life and I never imagined I would get so toned (in just over a month!). Jillian is great, I highly recommend this workout! My only complaint is the lame music, but you're usually working so hard you tune it out anyway. |
Awesome workout, as usual!
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| Review Date: February 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: LauraPh, NC |
First off, I am a huge Jillian fan so this DVD would have to really stink for me not to like it. I loved it. As usual, she leads a great workout with lots of motivational talk throughout. I love her style - just hard core exercise - no dancing around.
What I liked about this was that the workout flowed nicely. Even though I loved Shred (and lost 16 pounds in 35 days doing it) I got so tired of the up and down... jumping, then down for abs, up again jumping then down in the plank position. I would get dizzy from all the up and down! Not this workout - when you are down, you stay down and finish the circuit.
Also, while there still are a lot of jumping moves, they are nicely spread out. The intervals themselves feel shorter in this DVD than Shred, too (it might be because I am in much better shape when I first did the Shred, too!).
Tomorrow I am trying the Trouble Zones DVD. I hope it is just as good! |
It's not supposed to be easy!
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| Review Date: December 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Amy Baker, Livonia, MI United States |
I am a big fan of Jillian's, I've had this dvd for 6 months. I only did it a handful of times in the past, because it is really hard. After months of counting calories and not getting serious about exercise, I wasn't really losing weight very fast. So I decided to get serious, and pulled out this dvd and did it for 7 days straight (while still counting calories of course), and I lost 4 pounds. I did nothing different than I had been the months before except this dvd. I read some of the other reviews where people are saying it's too hard. It's supposed to be hard! You aren't going to lose weight unless you actually sweat and struggle. You aren't going to lose weight if you are comfortable while working out. I know, because I have tried doing it that way and it doesn't work for me.
It's true that some of the exercises in this video are hard, or you may not be able to do them properly as shown. For example, I can't do the scissor jumping lunge, so I just do a regular jumping lunge. My version of the mountain climber exercise is pretty lame looking I'm sure, but I still do it. My 180's are probably more like 140's. It doesn't matter. If you really want to do the workout, you can modify it so you can do it, as long as you're giving yourself a hard workout and are actually trying.
If you have serious knee problems, cut back on the jumping. |
A big calorie burner, great instruction, one of my faves
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| Review Date: September 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Chandler, Austin, TX |
CALORIC EXPENDITURE: I'll write about that first because aside from health benefits this is what most of us want in our fitness dvds, is it not? I wear a bodybugg to measure my daily caloric expenditure and I only mention this so that you know my measurement is scientific, rather than perceived exertion. While the dvd is enjoyable to do and easy to follow, it flat out scorched the calories. I have a big supply of exercise dvds that I rotate for my daily workouts and some just stand out on how many calories they burn compared to the same amount of time spent with other ones...and this is a clear winner.
PERSONALITY AND TRAINING STYLE: While Jillian's other fitness dvds also foot the bill for burning calories, in the preceding exercise dvds she was quite condescending and had oddly placed nervous laughter in several parts that felt strangely odd to watch if you did it enough. She really came through on this one and the best parts of her personality and training ability glowed through...she is energetic, motivating, and knowledgeable.
INSTRUCTION: The instruction is easy to follow regardless of your coordination or level. Also, regardless of your level you will see a difference in a short amount of time...she'll push you but also break it down enough that you don't have to be an expert to jump in and do it.
BODY PARTS WORKED: She works every muscle in this circuit training workout that both builds muscle and burns fat, two fat blasting components.
CONCLUSION: While I probably own over 100 workout dvds (it's still cheaper than joining a gym!) all the ones from Bob and Jillian remain some of my favorites. They really pack a lot into a short amount of time for effectiveness and the instruction and cueing is simply beyond reproach in making it easy to follow and be correct in your form. |
Can't say enough good things about this video.
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| Review Date: June 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Savanah, The Ozarks |
I'm not going to give you all the details of how it's done, because plenty of the other reviews tell you that. I just want to tell you that, yes, you WILL see results from this, and yes, it IS worth the purchase. There's no equipment needed, and the greatest thing I've noticed about it is that while I notice myself getting BETTER at the moves, they don't get any EASIER. Since this relies entirely on your own body, the stronger you get, the harder you can push yourself, and I think this could give anyone a killer workout, no matter their fitness level.
I've had a handful of workout DVDs before, and do some of the shows on FitTV, but I was excited to try something new. Let me tell you, this KILLS me. I'm relatively fit, and if I were ANY less strong, I don't think I could do this all the way through. It takes every ounce from me, and my face is purple at the end. After my fourth time doing it, my boyfriend noticed that I was ALREADY showing results. And after 2 or 3 weeks of doing it, I've gone from 125 to 118.
I talked my boyfriend into doing it with me one morning (he's an avid exerciser, but thinks DVDs are "the easy way out"), and he only made it through 3 of the 7 circuits. He's been complaining for days now, too-- "I didn't know I HAD legs until I met Jillian!"
Do buy this. It works, I promise. |
Wowsers!
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| Review Date: August 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Megan Alderton, Hagerstown MD |
Ok. This video is no joke. I had done the 30 day shred a bit before buying this DVD and I found that moderately hard. I liked Jillian's style and I could tell she knows her stuff, so I decided to try this.
This video is made up of 7 six minute circuits, including about another 6 minutes of warm-up and 6 minutes of cool down. All tolled, when you shut off the DVD in your pile of sweat, it will be at about 55 minutes. I wasn't really sure what to expect at first, but I was determined to get through the whole thing without stopping. I did, but it nearly killed me. The first circuit was not that hard, so I got lulled into a false sense of security. The next ones take it up a notch. By the end of the second circuit, I was hurting, and panting. She gives you what she calls a "break" at the end of the 3rd cicuit with side oblique crunches. Basically, it's not really cardio, you just put your hand behind your head and raise your leg out to the side, crunching your side. You pay for it in the next circuit... circuit 4... it's a core circuit, but it moves superfast and it's intense. It still feels like cardio. She throws those damn walking planks into this circuit. I hate these. I do the advanced version, no knees for me. The next circuit is another kickboxing one. It takes it back down a notch, but it's still hard. The 6th one is the hardest one, I think because it's all jump work... plyometrics. You will do jump squats, cross country skiing, scissor kicks (AHHH!) skaters, and standing mountain climbers (go to hell standing mountain climbers!). The last circuit is not a whole hell of a lot easier, and trust me by the time you get here, you have just about had it. You're going to be dripping sweat, but you will have given up trying to wipe it off yourself because it is so profuse and everything in your body is screaming at you and you have simply given up on catching your breathe, but Jillian makes you feel like stopping is not an option.
Someone else mentioned that you will not look hot immediately after doing this... very true. But after showering and resting, you will feel great about what you did.
I still do this non-stop sometimes, but other days I will do the first 4 cicuits in the morning and then do the rest in the evening. Although Jillian might consider this cheating, I feel like it's a good way to still do the whole video and kill myself a little less.
I am an avid exerciser. I hit it for 1 to 2 hours everyday and have done so for years. I weigh between 110-115 at 5' 4" I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds, but mainly exercise just to stay in good health and stay toned. My point is, I am no wimp to find this exercise routine so difficult. You had better be up for a challenge if when you start this and/or be prepared to pace yourself or maybe not get through the whole thing the first few times.
Good luck! |
Better Than a GYM!
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| Review Date: September 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Kristin J. Currier, South Florida |
I've been working out to this video for a couple of months now. I also have 30 Day Shred and No More Trouble Zones. I think this workout is amazing. It has totally blasted my metabolism through the roof! I find I get better results from this vid doing it 3-5 times a week than when I was spending two hours in a gym almost daily. She teaches compound and jumping moves, and this is extremely effective. You get strong AND lean before you know it. I used the 30 Day Shred more as a 4 month re-acquaintance into fitness after a long hiatus from not doing a thing. When I was able to get through that relatively easily, I got this video. It is TOUGH! And believe me, it doesn't really get easier. Oh sure, you can get through it without dying eventually, but you now have all these brilliant new muscles that are bucking like broncos, and you are focusing on training them because now you can actually feel them working, and not just struggling to keep you upright. Your cardiovascular condition will greatly benefit, and so will your overall lean muscle mass.
Be forewarned - this is NOT for beginners to fitness. If you know how to modify fitness moves, then maybe you are better off than the stark beginner. Jillian's workouts are easily modified. But it is my feeling that total beginners could get themselves injured easily if they don't build up some basic strength and flexibility for at least 3 months or more. The 30 Day Shred has 3 workouts that can either shred the already fit, or build a solid foundation for the not fit if they just take their time with it.
By the way, I have gone from 155 to 139 and I'm still losing. It's taken me over 6 months, but right now the metabolism is amazing, and the results are really getting noticeable. I am convinced that all you need is time, patience and a metabolism that increases through steady workouts, and you will get lean and strong. Jillian's workouts are inspiring and efficient. |
EXTREME CARDIO
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| Review Date: March 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sandra, |
This video is truely an 'EXTREME CARDIO' killer!!! Really, I was sweating so hard that I had to stop and take a rest after doing the 180's...... I thought that I was going to have a heart attack =).... I did turn it back on after having a 5 minute break and completed the entire video, but it was EXTREME!!! This will get you in shape and I really don't think anyone really could complain about getting enough cardio from this DVD~***
This was much harder than the 30 day Shred because it integrates much more cardio. I bought this along with 'No more Trouble Zones' and I really like the combination. I did the 'No more Trouble Zones' DVD first, and it really was not that hard for me (it is much more strength focused rather than cardio), but the next day I was sore everywhere!!!! I exercise all the time, so this was a good change and challenge to my routine!!! 'No more trouble Zones' will hit all the muscle groups, (especially your arms and you will feel such a 'good sore feeling' the next day), and 'Boost Your Metabolism' will give you a crazy killer cardio workout.
I have to admit, I love to rotate these 2 videos everyother day, but I take one day just to rest, and one day to run on a treadmill to recover. I would say that these videos are really good if you want a step up from the Shred. There are new excercises that hit muscle groups that I never thought existed. (I use 5lb weights)
The only thing that I noticed which hindered me from initially purchasing the new DVD where the 'titles' of the DVD's. They did not seem very catchy...the '30 day Shred' title was a very catchy title..... I thought that they actaully were older videos from the 90's.... I hope her marketers read this, beacause I think one or 2 word titles are more catchy...these did not catch my attention, but none-the-less buy these-----> they are GREAT videos....like Jillian says ...."They won't dissapoint"!!!
I hope this review helps all of you looking for
a new and challenging workout~
Sandra~*** |
Excellent, Tough, Sweaty Workout
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| Review Date: February 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Lynna13, |
| I have been using Jillian's 30 Day Shred on a rotating basis for about 8-9 months now, and I love it. I will continue using it. However, I was looking for some more intense cardio to add to my weekly workout routine. I have definitely found it! This DVD is tough (I would say I'm an intermediate exerciser, and I found myself stopping and panting a few times here). It works ALL muscles to the point of soreness while giving you a great, sweaty, cardio workout. No dancing, no fancy footwork: some kickboxing moves, combined with classic calisthenics, combined with core work, always mixing toning/strength with the cardio. I feel great after I do this workout (and I feel like I may die during it, so it all works out)! Anyone who's looking for some no-nonsense, to-the-point cardio that produces results (I honestly lost weight within the first two days of doing this), this is definitely the DVD for you! |
Results like never before!
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| Review Date: October 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Eden Robinson, |
I am a fit 20 year old woman with experience in various forms of dance and martial arts. I've got good form, but don't have the typical dancer/martial arts student body, and I'd like to lose about 5-10 vanity lbs. I don't have time to take any sort of classes, so I do exercise videos. I've accumulated quite a gallery of videos, but this dvd and Jillian's "No More Trouble Zones" dvd are in a league of their own! During both dvds, SWEAT IS DRIPPING DOWN MY FACE IN RIVERS! NO OTHER DVD(S) HAVE THIS EFFECT! Other workouts get me to sweat, sure, but never more than a single drop running down my temple. Jillian Michaels is a gifted fitness instructor. Not to mention that she's perfect at describing posture/correct form and motivating you to finish strong!
Personally, I alternate between this dvd and the NMTZ dvd, and after only 1 week, I am seeing changes! I've lost 1lb already and every muscle in my entire body is much stronger than I ever remember them ever being IN MY LIFE!
I would give this dvd 10 stars if I could! Fabulous work, Jillian! |
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